by Kahlen Aymes
I tried hard to get past the lump in my throat threatening to cut off my air. “Yuh-yes,” I stammered. “I believe it was, fucking vibrating.”
He wide smile slid across his mouth. “Indeed, it was. So, now that we know what we’re up against, we can get down to it.”
“Down to it?” How could he look so relaxed when I was jumping out of my skin?
“If your mind turns to sex every time I say something provocative, we’ll never be able to do this. We might as well give in to desire, right here and now.”
I opened my mouth to speak unsure if I would agree or protest. Unsure if I should say anything or if I did, whether it would come out as nothing other than an incoherent squeak. Desire. I’d written about it, read about it, but never really felt it. Not like this.
“Get down to work,” he said sternly, as he plucked at his lower lip with the thumb and index finger of one had. “On your book. I’ve mentioned your piece to my agent, Gloria Sussex,” he continued without missing a beat. “She wants to read it, but I needed your permission before giving it to her.”
Oh my God! The heat in my face was unbearable. I was so embarrassed; he admitted to the attraction, but apparently, he was in complete control of himself, where I felt myself giving in. I shook my head to get my focus back. Gloria Sussex represented some of the biggest authors in romance and romantic suspense in the industry. “Of course, Professor. That would be— amazing. Thank you for giving me this chance.”
“My help comes without strings, Addison. I want to make that clear. Nothing is expected from you other than your best writing.”
I nodded slightly. “I understand”
His eyes narrowed. “Tell me what you think I mean,” he demanded.
I mustered my courage. “You’re saying that this is a working relationship but that if sex happens, it will be mutual and has nothing to do with our work together. I’m clear on that.”
He offered a sexy, satisfied smile. Of course, something would happen. Could I be in a room alone with him for any period of time, writing hot sex scenes, talking about them, and not want to jump on his bone? Hell, no. I knew it already. I bet it’s the bone to end all bones; huge, long, thick. It had to be thick to rank as the bone of champions, I thought, feeling my face flush with heat. Michelle would be proud.
“Good. We’ll set up a weekly work schedule until you get your manuscript finished. I’ll handle your classwork myself, but no matter what does or doesn’t happen outside of this university, you have to do the work for the grade.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” I ran my hands down the top of my thighs, trying to ease the sensations his statements had created.
“Alright. I’ll have something drawn up by my attorney and then we’ll get started.”
“Attorney?” I was perplexed and taken aback. “For what?” Was he expecting to be paid? “A share of royalties on my book?”
He huffed out an incredulous laugh. “Good God, no. An agreement to protect both of us in the event anything sexual does transpire between us. It will protect both of our careers because we’ll both be sworn to secrecy.”
I nodded. A feeling of dread washing over me. “You’re sure this hasn’t happened before? You seem so well prepared,” I stated bravely.
“What?” he rose again and came closer again, his expression becoming darker. “Good God, no. I’m no martyr, Addison. If you can’t trust what I tell you, then I guess we’re done.”
It was as if he’d struck a physical blow. The air left my lungs and I shook my head. “I’m sorry. This is all a bit sudden and overwhelming. I’m getting mixed signals. I’m not sure what to expect. You’re this hugely successful author, so why would you be interested in me or my work? Maybe you’re a player and this is a ploy to get me in the sack.”
He reached out and took me by both arms, hauling me up out of my chair until my face was inches from his; close enough to feel the warmth and smell the sweetness of his breath as it washed over my face. I was shocked.
“Trust me when I say, if a roll between the sheets was all I wanted, I wouldn’t have to go through all of this. You have a huge career in front of you. I’m not offering to help you in order to get you in bed, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I want to fuck you senseless. I wanted to be upfront about it. Honestly, I’ve thought of little else since Friday night when I was reading your piece and it will only get more difficult going forward. The legal stuff will protect us, just in case.” He released me so suddenly I stumbled back, so he put a hand out to steady me. Goosebumps broke out on my skin at both his touch and the gravity of what he’d said.
I was confused. What was he saying? Did he just tell me he wanted an affair, yet it was hands off? I needed to know. “Just to be clear, we agree this is platonic, then?”
“We both know it should be for professional reasons, but I can’t promise that working closely, reading and writing sexy scenes won’t provoke me. I’m ultra-aware of you, and I’m not going to lie about it. I’m going to try, but I’m not made of stone. It’s a risk. If it’s not one you’re willing to take, then walk away now. Do you understand?”
“I do.” He was telling me that despite knowing we shouldn’t get involved, we already were.
“Good.” He ran a hand down the front of his shirt.
He’d left me reeling, but I nodded my assent. “I’ll try, but can’t promise either, Dr. Michaels.”
He looked at me intently, and swallowed, rubbing a hand down his face. “Stop teasing Addison. We both know where this is headed if we proceed, but it had to be said that it shouldn’t happen. Now, get out of here before I rip your clothes off, here and now.”
I wasn’t sure which elated me more; that he loved my work or that he desired me. “What if I want you to rip my clothes off?”
Once again. his eyes met mine with an intensity that burned me alive. If the large bulge in his pants was anything to go by, he was as turned on as I was by our little conversation. I wanted to reach out and palm him, to feel the steel outline of him pressing into my stomach, hear him groan my name, and feel him thrusting deep inside me.
“I’m counting on it, but nothing happens on campus, and it’s our secret. No one can know; not your friends, or classmates, even your best friend, not even Gloria. No one. What happens behind closed doors and between the sheets stays there, and not until the legal shit is out of the way.”
Moist heat began to pool at his words. I wouldn’t have been more aroused if his mouth was devouring mine, his fingers were inside my panties and he was pushing me down on the desk.
“When, then?” I asked feverishly.
“Let’s meet every Friday night. I’ll let you know where.”
I was certain of two things as I turned to leave; I was so turned on I could barely walk, and I couldn’t wait to get naked underneath my hot professor.
“And, Addison?”
I paused and glanced over my shoulder. “Yes?”
“Call me Jax. Always in your thoughts, but also when we’re alone. I want to hear you say it.”
Excitement and anticipation exploded and filled up every cell of my being. I should be scared, but I wasn’t. I pulled my lower lip between my teeth and nodded. It was all I could do to stay where I was without running to him and demanding he put his hands all over me; begging for that glorious mouth to ravage mine. My mind and flesh were screaming. My mouth was salivating. I knew he would be a magnificent and commanding lover.
“And, start sitting in the first couple of rows in the auditorium. I want to look at you, even if I can’t touch you.”
“But, how will I explain it to Michelle? I was the one who insisted on sitting halfway up.”
“I don’t give a shit how you explain it, as long as you don’t tell her the real reason.”
I inhaled deeply and let it out in a long sigh. I had a feeling this was only the first of many demands. “Fine. See you in class… Jax.”
I walked out of his office and closed the door b
ehind me, smiling secretly as I walked down the hall. I couldn’t wait until the next class. Thankfully, it was only a few hours… but oh, my God; how would I explain the new seating arrangement to Michelle?
6
“Er…. Let’s sit closer to the front this time,” I hedged, moving down closer to the front of the room.
Michelle was perplexed. “Wait… What?” She frowned and stopped dead on the stairs, stemming the flow of students. “But I thought—” she pointed over her shoulder and back up a few rows. “You didn’t want to sit in front before.”
I hadn’t seen her since my meeting with Dr. Michaels. Jax, my mind prompted; he wants me to think of him as Jax. I was just worried I’d slip up and call him Jax to my friends, especially my overly inquisitive BFF.
“Yeah, but I’m sick of Brandy and her consistent drooling over the professor,” I shot back offhandedly. “Aren’t you tired of it, too?”
“I’m sure the bimbos stepping on their tongues up front will be loads better.” Her tone was droll, but I rolled my eyes and nodded my head in the direction I wanted to go.
“Come on, Michelle!” My tone became urgent when the seats I’d originally wanted were taken by two other young women, one of them being the redhead from the first day, who we now knew as Stacia Kelly. She’d been equally obnoxious in her attempts to get the sexy professor’s attention in every subsequent class. If he only wanted to screw someone, no doubt he’d have ample opportunities. He could violate her forward, backward, sideways, and ten times on Sunday with the snap of his elegant long fingers. I couldn’t help the rush of pleasure that erupted at the thought that he’d chosen me, but then I remembered our privacy pact.
Stacia was only taking this class to get close to Jax and didn’t have aspirations to be a published author as I did, and he wouldn’t have the leverage over her to keep it secret. In fact, she would probably brag about any liaison with anyone and everyone who was willing to listen. Doubt nagged at me in regard to his motives as I picked out two other seats, but off to one side. I mean, I was unable to think of myself as such a good writer that I would stand out in a sea of others. I grabbed the sleeve of my friend’s shirt and tugged her toward them.
“Over there,” I demanded, rushing forward and weaving in and around other students.
“What’s with you today, Addy? Could it have anything to do with your meeting with Dr. Sexy Pants?” she pressed as she followed me down the stairs toward my objective.
“Yes,” I blurted, then paused. “I mean,” I moved into the fourth row on the right of the platform. “No.” I sat down and proceeded to unzip my book bag and removed my MacBook Air.
Michelle stood in front of her seat and stared down at me. “Spill,” she commanded.
I glanced up briefly through hooded lids, then concentrated on booting up my computer. “Nothing much to tell,” I said casually.
She didn’t move and her jaw shot out. “Uh huh, I’m not buying, Addy. What about your grade?”
I focused on my screen. “A plus,” I admitted, trying my best to keep from grinning outright.
“Oh, my gaaawwwwdddd!” she exclaimed plopping down her book bag and taking her seat. “I knew it!”
“It’s a relief, that’s for sure.”
“Is that the real reason we’re sitting up front?” Michelle asked.
“Dr. Michaels asked me to sit closer, since he knows I’m one of the serious students,” I offered, leaving out the juicy bits of my meeting.
“Why didn’t you just say so?” Michelle didn’t bother to hide her exasperation. “I’m surprised you didn’t just text me about it. Geeze!”
“I had to finish my assignment for my sociology class. I went straight to the library afterward.” It was true; I did go to the library, but I didn’t get anything done on my sociology assignment. I’d been too jazzed about the prospect of my book possibly getting published and the coming Friday evening meeting with the professor.
My phone vibrated in my book bag and I reached down to pull it out.
Are you seated in front?
My brows shot up and my heart stopped. It had to be from Jax though I didn’t recognize the number. My lips pressed together as I read the message. I made a mental note to add him to my contacts later once I was away from Michelle. I quickly typed out my response.
Yes.
His response came back instantly.
Where?
Fourth row back. Right Side.
He didn’t respond and I put my phone away.
“Was that Dan?” Michelle wanted to know.
He was a pre-med student we’d met at a party the previous weekend. He’d asked for my number, but I knew she was interested in him. I could have easily used him for an excuse, but knew Michelle would probably be upset, so I decided against it.
“No, it was my mom just checking in.”
“Oh,” she smiled, seemingly satisfied.
It was in that moment Jax came on stage placing his brief case on the desk, as was his habit. He opened it amid the sudden silence of the large room, his eyes flashing up to connect with mine briefly. I couldn’t help the shudder that went through me.
“Goddamn,” Michelle muttered softly. “I can’t get over how hot he is. Up close he’s…”
“Shhh,” I said. “Class is starting.”
“Good afternoon,” Jax stated. “Today we’re going to discuss the importance of sexual tension in novels,” he began. “It’s easy to throw in technical terms while writing, but don’t get bogged down with them. I noticed in your assignments that some of you don’t feel comfortable describing body parts, and that’s fine. You can create lots of sexual tension, even if you want your love scenes to fade-to-black.” I couldn’t take my eyes off of him, and I felt as if he was speaking only to me, even though he wasn’t looking at me, which I knew was intentional. His silky voice and his words were enough to arouse me.
“The implication of them is sometimes enough to drive the story, but unresolved sexual tensions or “UST” as it is sometimes referred to, is crucial for any type of romantic relationships in your writing. Even if your story has no love scenes at all, tension…” his eyes flashed to mine again, “is a must.”
I felt heat rush through me; certain my face was getting red. The tension he was talking about was palpable between us as I tore my eyes from his to look back at my computer screen. I didn’t know if it would be possible to keep things platonic, but if we didn’t, how would I know whether he was really sincere in his desire to mentor me?
“Fuck me,” a woman behind me muttered under her breath.
“Dude, I would do him in a New York minute,” another said. I found myself getting annoyed and was hard pressed not to turn around and ask them to shut up.
“Who can tell me some ways to build the tension in a story?” he asked the class. I wanted to keep watching him. My eyes were hungry as they roamed over his spectacular form. He was without a jacket, though he’d replaced his tie, his sleeves were still rolled up as they were in his office this morning. My eyes kept landing on the fly of his dress slacks remembering the bulge I’d witnessed earlier his office. How was I going to concentrate if I couldn’t keep my mind out of his pants?
Oh, God. I rubbed the back of my neck forcing my eyes back to my computer screen and my fingers to hammer out my notes.
I could think of several things to increase tension, including foreshadowing; like putting a sexual scene in the mind of the reader in advance of the actual deed, which was exactly what had happened to me in Jax’s office. I was living it in Technicolor, and it was making me squirm; which no doubt was his intention. I didn’t raise my hand to answer, but instead kept my mouth shut and my head down; instead letting him call on others. I couldn’t bring attention to myself again, not today.
I wavered between reminding myself not to be obvious about the direction of my thoughts and struggling to pay attention to the content of the lecture. I’d have to speak to him about his demand that I sit so close to
the stage if he wanted me to get anything out of the class. But could I? How would that go, my mind screamed. Hey, Jax, you know how you said I had to do the work in class? Well, all I can think about is your hands and mouth on me during the lectures and so, it will be impossible to learn a damn thing! Yeah, sure…. That would work.
Several times during his lecture, I felt his eyes land on me, and it was confirmed when I’d serendipitously glanced up from my computer. I tried to furiously type what he was saying word-for-word in an effort to keep from staring at him and imagining all sorts of delicious things he could do to my willing body. The sex dripping from his voice didn’t help. I doubted I was the only one who heard it. Surely, he affected every woman in the room in a similar way. My cheeks were flushed with heat and my chest felt tight.
Was I jealous? I barely knew him so that was crazy to consider, yet, how else could I explain my discomfort? Despite my emotional turmoil, I felt my body’s reaction, and though I tried to concentrate on his current words, his voice saying he wanted to rip my clothes off earlier was rolling through my brain.
I sucked in my breath loud enough for Michelle to glance in my direction. I didn’t meet her eyes. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to go through with this. As much as I wanted his help with the book, I wanted him more, and I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to resist, and if I didn’t, I had to be honest with myself. Would I be able to stop myself from falling for him? Then what happened when the semester was over, or my book was published? Would I be able to handle it when he was done with me? My stomach fluttered as my heart dropped.
I didn’t think I could work with him without getting involved, and he’d already admitted sex was inevitable, but involvement was not on his agenda. I’d never in my life felt the need to run. I froze raising my eyes to the magnificent man only a few feet away from me. He was going about teaching the class, walking in the other direction and I realized I couldn’t even look at him without imagining him making love to me; hot, sexy, passionate and desperate. I felt flustered and feverish; my skin was clammy. I glanced around and realized so many of the other women in the room were imagining the same thing, and I panicked.
